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Playing Pokemon Go has Health Benefits

Playing Pokemon Go has Health Benefits
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The GPS-based Pokemon Go mobile game is taking the world by storm.

Do you want to be the very best, like no one ever was?

Do you know that even playing a mobile game can have health benefits?

Yes it does…..

According to Matt Hoffman, DNP, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Nursing, there are health benefits from playing the augmented Reality (AR) smartphone game. He says that the quest to “catch ’em all” is great as it pokes people to travel across the land, searching far and wide for a pokemon resulting in regular exercising.

I will travel across the land, searching far and wide

Players, known as “trainers,” download the Pokémon Go game to their smartphones. To progress in the game, trainers must walk around to find and catch Pokémon and access specific locations called Pokéstops — where Pokéballs and other useful items are collected. Poké eggs are among the things that can be collected at these locations. Getting to Pokéstops, catching different Pokémon and hatching the Poké eggs require lots of walking.

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“Playing the game is a lot of fun, and it has been a catalyst to get people moving,” said Hoffman who has been affectionately dubbed the “Pokémon Professor” by co-workers.

Pokemon Go

“What began as just playing the game has now become a hobby for me that provides certain health benefits,” Hoffman continued. “I’ve spent an hour or two at a time venturing around the community to find Pokéstops. And, to hatch one egg, a trainer must walk anywhere from one to six miles. There’s no doubt about it, I am exercising more as a result of playing the game, and I am enjoying it.”

Hoffman isn’t alone. Estimates of the number of Pokémon Go daily users range from nine to 21 million people, and this user base is growing daily. In addition to inspiring exercise, playing Pokémon Go may have additional benefits.

Pokémon Go, it’s you and me

pokemon-go

“There is a sense of community when trainers converge in search of Pokémon, or when they gather together at Pokéstops,” Hoffman said. “The game is bringing people together, providing opportunity for social interaction and increasing our sense of belonging, which can have a positive impact on our emotional and mental health.”

Additionally, families may find that Pokémon Go lessens the technology tension that divides the generations. “This is a relatively non-violent game, and I have seen families walking around playing the game together,” Hoffman said. “Or, it encourages parents to go outside with their children while they play. Pokémon Go has the ability to transport families away from an evening on the couch to walking around the neighborhood.”

Download Pokemon APK, Install, and Play on Android

You teach me and I’ll teach you

Hoffman said playing the game has even broadened his sense of curiosity and knowledge about his local community. “I discovered new experiences within my community because the game has led me to areas that I haven’t explored, or, previously only driven through,” he said. “Additionally, I’ve met many interesting people while playing the game, and I enjoy seeing the variation in the character designs and abilities.”

Come with me, the time is right, there’s no better team

Pokemon Go

Multiply the number of Pokémon Go players by the number of kilometers they must travel to progress in the game, and the chances of negative consequences increase. “We often hear of people falling off curbs or sustaining injuries as a result of staring at their phones and not paying attention to their surroundings,” Hoffman said. “It’s good to always keep safety and best practices in mind.”

Hoffman emphasized players watch where they walk and be aware of surroundings when playing. There is safety in numbers, and he encourages playing with friends as a team.

Hoffman emphasised players to watch where they walk and be aware of surroundings when playing. “Remember, you should never play Pokemon Go while driving. It’s also important to avoid playing in dark, isolated areas — there have been reports of trainers being robbed and attacked,” he noted.

If you are one of the millions who are playing Pokémon Go, we hope you “catch ’em all!”


Comments (12)

  • Hi Sonal,

    This is the latest rage in town. Pokemon is played by kids and adults. There is one guy I know that told me it is a blessing because it gets his kids outside in the fresh air.

    -Donna
    Donna Merrill recently posted…4 Blogs That Rank High On Google SearchMy Profile

    • Author

      Hi Donna

      Pokemon is on hype these days. You can see every kid talking about it and asking each other to play it. Just hope it has some benefits at the end.

      Thanks for writing in

      Have a nice day!

  • Well, Sonal – your article FINALLY convinced me to go and download Pokemon Go! I didn’t see any point in it before, but if it can help me get in shape while having fun, I’m all for it! I’ve already caught my first Pokemon! (In my own kitchen, LOL!)

    • Author

      Hi Deborah

      Yes you should definitely try it once. Finally I also found something useful in it. maybe it helps you.

      Thanks for writing in

      Have a nice day!

  • Hi Sonal!

    Thanks for sharing. The first I heard of this game today when someone posted on my FB timeline an article about animal shelters leveraging the game by renting out dogs to walk with you. Thank you so much for explaining what it is and how it works!

    • Author

      Hi Quinn

      Glad to see your comment. ya initially even I was unaware about the game.Its only later I got to know everything about it.

      Thanks for writing in

      Have a nice day!

  • Hi Sonal

    I see people talk about Pokeman in my community and the strange thing is that I have not played this game.

    Thanks for sharing this info and I will check it out. Take Care
    ikechi recently posted…Why The Road Less Travelled is Your Ticket to BlissMy Profile

    • Author

      Hi Ikechi

      Well every other person is talking about this game. Do try it.

      Have a nice day!

  • Hi Sonal,

    It’s good to finally hear something positive about this game.
    It’s funny how you giving a better perspective have me thinking twice about it now.
    If I can get that type of exercise I’m going to cancel my membership at the gym…lol
    I seen this post over at AhaNOW.
    Thanks,
    Vernon

    • Author

      Hi Vernon

      Thanks for your feedback. Well everything has both positive and negative sides. It all depends on how you see it. As mentioned it does give lot of exercise.

      Have a nice day!

  • Hi Sonal, Now a days all are talking about pokeman but i never played this game. Thanks for sharing in details.
    sazia recently posted…Love Beetroot-Health Benefits and NutritionMy Profile

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